From the Depths of Despair to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with the spirits of Cen Rong and Cen Jinxi, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. They now reside in the Western Pure Land. This account reflects upon their transition from a state of profound suffering to ultimate liberation. Recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe, on May 5, 2019.

Cen Rong speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Cen Rong. This place is magnificent—it is filled with brilliant golden light! My heart is overflowing with gratitude. I hardly know where to begin. For so long, I was trapped in the water. My chest and mouth were filled with it. I cried out for help, but no one heard me; no one came to save me. Eventually, I gave up. I fell into despair. I stopped struggling and let the tears stream down my face. I felt resentment toward my parents—why hadn't they come to save me sooner? None of my family knew the extent of my suffering. My spirit was so miserable and cold!"

A Light in the Darkness

"Then, a brilliant light descended and pulled me from that freezing water. For the first time, I could breathe. Xingying, thank you! It was my younger sister who pleaded with the Buddha to rescue me. I was saved! I have been living a life here that I never imagined possible. Today, I am going to the Western Pure Land. My name was called, and I was moved to the front. My little brother is here with me. He is so young he doesn't understand what is happening, but his face is full of smiles. He is so happy! There are so many sweets and biscuits here; he acts as if he has never tasted such things before, and he keeps eating them."

The Guidance of the Bodhisattvas

"Today is a Dharma assembly, so he is not allowed to eat. The Bodhisattva told him he must be well-behaved to go to the Western Pure Land. That was Skanda Bodhisattva. The Bodhisattva even told my brother that in the Western Pure Land, there are even more delicious things to eat and wonderful games to play, so he is filled with anticipation."

The Power of Deliverance

"Practitioner Su is truly incredible! His manifestation body looks just like the Practitioner Su everyone sees, only even more handsome and taller. In an instant, he took my brother and me by the hand, along with many prison guards, and we all flew upward together. We arrived here in the blink of an eye! Everything is shimmering and glowing—it is so beautiful! Xingying, I can see our parents now! I am so happy! Our parents are holding us and crying; they never expected that we would be 'alive' again in this way. Thank you! Thank you, Practitioner Su! Namo Amituofo."

This interview message was recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe.